J-iGNITE Ignites Minds and Connections: A Powerful Evening on Cybersecurity
Have you ever been scammed? Wondered what fraud really is? Questioned how safe your data is once it’s in the cloud?
These were just some of the pressing questions explored at the latest J-iGNITE event, where young Jewish professionals gathered for an evening of networking, growth, and transformative discussion.
Hosted by Nikki & Jeremy Kistlinger in their private home, this high-energy, thought-provoking event brought together experts at the forefront of cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and digital privacy, inspiring attendees to rethink how they navigate today’s digital landscape.
The evening began with powerful networking and mingling, as new friendships and professional connections sparked across the room. The event then took a reflective turn as Rabbi Yaffe, Co-Director of CBDChabad Sydney and J-iGNITE, shared profound life and moral lessons drawn from a fruit tree in honour of Tu B’Shvat —a timeless metaphor on resilience, personal growth, and ethical decision-making.
Setting the stage for the main program, Jeremy Kistlinger, Co-Founder of Aragomon & Afterprime, welcomed guests with words of encouragement, reminding everyone that the most valuable investments in life are knowledge, community, and personal security—both online and off.
The night’s discussion was expertly moderated by the formidable and diplomatic Rebecca Veksler, founder of SolCup & Frooms.AI With her sharp insight and entrepreneurial experience, she challenged the panelists to push beyond industry jargon and speak directly to the concerns of the audience, ensuring that cybersecurity and fraud prevention felt personal, urgent, and actionable.
The panel featured an incredible lineup of experts, each bringing unique perspectives from their fields:
• Ben O’Brian, representing BioCatch, an Israeli-founded anti-fraud company trusted by fintech firms and banks worldwide. His expertise in fraud detection and behavioral biometrics offered a fascinating glimpse into how technology can both protect and profile individuals in the digital world.
• Ilona Broers, a seasoned private investigator, specializing in corporate employee background checks. With firsthand experience uncovering deception and fraud, she shared compelling real-world stories that left attendees rethinking the way they trust and verify.
An unexpected but invaluable addition to the conversation was an audience member with deep expertise in hacking and cybersecurity. Their insights into the vulnerabilities of personal data, social media, and AI-driven surveillance brought an entirely new level of awareness to the room.
The discussions were raw, eye-opening, and at times even unsettling, as the audience realized just how exposed they might be in today’s digital landscape. Yet, with knowledge comes power—and the energy in the room transformed into a hunger to take action, protect personal data, and embrace a more secure future.
Of course, no event happens without the dedication of many behind-the-scenes champions. This evening would not have been possible without the guidance and support of the Israel Trade Commission and its representative, Jeremy Unger, whose passion for fostering Israeli-Australian connections in tech and innovation has been instrumental to J-iGNITE.
With deep gratitude to our evening’s backer, The Mix Family founder, Niv Barhom, whose belief in the power of community made this event a reality.
A huge thank you to EasyLighting, whose seamless logistical support, expert lighting, and sound management ensured the perfect atmosphere for an engaging evening.
A shoutout to SB Photography, who captured the magic and momentum of the night through their incredible lens.
And most importantly—thank you to every single one of you who attended! You didn’t just come to an event; you made it. You showed up, engaged, and proved that knowledge and connection are the greatest assets we can invest in.
This was only the second J-iGNITE event, and yet, its impact is already rippling across Sydney’s Jewish young adult community. The movement is growing. The conversations are deepening. The opportunities are expanding.
And we’re just getting started.
The next J-iGNITE evening is set for late March—stay tuned for details!
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to learn more about J-iGNITE, please contact us!
About J-iGNITE; J-iGNITE is a pioneering initiative designed to empower Jewish young professionals by creating spaces for connection, learning, and career development. Through expert-led discussions, networking events, and industry-driven panels, J-iGNITE fosters collaboration, innovation, and a strong sense of community—igniting the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
